Chinese club hope to benefit from Scottish FA visit

Football Development Manager Donald Gillies will travel to Beijing next month after a Chinese youth team sent out a plea to the Scottish FA.

Dragon Soccer Club – who play in the city’s Chaoyang province - provide coaching for local boys and girls aged 4-14 years olds and cater for hundreds of players in China who love the game.

The club’s founder, Adam Ferry, contacted the Scottish FA in April looking at the potential of bringing over some coaches to help pass on their experience to the helpers at Dragon.

Speaking to the Scottish FA, Donald said: "When Adam contacted me to ask about the potential of the project it was an exciting prospect. The game in China has grown greatly in recent years and we are always keen to support those who are passionate about the game.

"It's fantastic to see the reputation of our coach education has carried into Asia and I'm sure the experience will be a rewarding one for all involved."

The arrival of international stars such as Robinho and Alberto Gilardino has peaked interest in Chinese club football while the National Women’s team reached the quarter-finals of the 2015 Women’s World Cup.

Adam added: "I'm delighted to have the Scottish FA agree to help us. We are constantly looking at ways of improving the experience for our members and working to develop quality coaches is one area we are focusing on.

"It's no secret the success that Scottish coaches have had in the world wide game and we are really excited to experience it here. I am sure our coaches will come out of the event as more confident and well rounded coaches."